NHS shared care for ADHD in Lichfield
Shared care is the difference between paying £80 a month for ADHD medication privately and paying the standard NHS prescription charge. Here's how it works in Lichfield, why some local GPs decline, and how to maximise your chances.
What shared care actually means
Shared care is a written agreement between your private ADHD specialist and your NHS GP. Once you've been diagnosed and titrated to a stable dose privately, your Lichfield GP takes over the routine prescribing on the NHS. Your specialist remains responsible for annual reviews and any dose changes. You pay the standard NHS prescription charge instead of private prices.
Why some Lichfield GPs decline
Shared care is voluntary for GPs. In Staffordshire, common reasons for refusal include: blanket practice policy against shared care for ADHD, local Integrated Care Board guidance discouraging it, GPs not feeling confident managing controlled drugs, or the private provider's report not meeting local prescribing standards. Refusal is more common in some areas than others — and varies practice by practice within Lichfield.
How to maximise your chances in Lichfield
Three things to do before you book: (1) pick a provider that explicitly offers shared care and writes directly to GPs with a recognised shared-care protocol — these are flagged in the comparison; (2) ask your Lichfield GP practice in advance whether they accept shared care from private ADHD providers; (3) if they refuse generally, ask whether they will accept it from a specific named provider — some practices accept some providers and not others.
If your Lichfield GP refuses
You have three options: keep paying privately for repeat prescriptions; switch to a Lichfield GP practice that does accept shared care (you can register with any practice that has open lists); or request an NHS ADHD assessment via Right to Choose so the prescribing is NHS from the start.
Frequently asked
- Will my Lichfield GP accept shared care for ADHD?
- Shared care policies vary practice by practice across Lichfield. Some accept agreements with named private providers; others have a blanket policy not to. Always confirm with your specific GP before booking — their answer determines your long-term medication cost.
- Can my Lichfield GP legally refuse shared care?
- Yes. Shared care is a voluntary agreement and GPs are not obliged to enter into one. You can ask the practice manager for the reason in writing and escalate to your ICB, but you cannot compel a GP to accept shared care.
- How long does shared care take to set up in Lichfield?
- Once your private specialist sends the shared-care request and your dose is stable, GPs typically take 2–6 weeks to confirm. Some practices in Lichfield ask for a face-to-face appointment to discuss before agreeing.
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